NASA chief visits Vietnam to for cooperation in space technology

Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States Charles Bolden kicked off a two-day visit to Vietnam on Monday to further promote cooperation in space science and technology development, the local newswire VnExpress reported. During the visit to the Vietnam National Satellite Center (VNSC) , Charles Bolden shared experience in cooperation and development of space technology, stressing the importance of creating favorable conditions for young scientists, especially college students, to access to aerospace science and technology. NASA is seeking cooperation with other countries in solar system exploration to find whether extra-terrestrial life exists, Bolden said. Pham Anh Tuan, director of VNSC introduced the project of establishing Vietnam Space Center, which plays a key role in the country's national strategy on research and application of space technology until 2020 approved by prime minister in 2006. Tuan expressed his hope to learn NASA's experience in construction and operation of the space center. As scheduled, the NASA head will meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Tuesday.